The Casey Demons played their final practice match of the preseason against the Saints VFL side at RSEA Park on Sunday morning.
It was a fiery affair that showcased the strength of the Demons’ side and the culmination of the work completed across the preseason.
The match featured a mix of AFL-listed and Casey-listed players, with Bailey Laurie, Jake Melksham, Xavier Taylor, Thomas Matthews, Tom McDonald, Jed Adams, Max Heath, Oscar Berry, Ricky Mentha Jnr, Riley Bonner, Paddy Cross, Jack Henderson and Andy Moniz-Wakefield all taking the field.
Both Henderson and Melksham completed a half each as part of their load management.
It was a special moment for Moniz-Wakefield, who took to the field for his first match after an extended stint on the sidelines following an ACL injury sustained in February 2025. To the delight of all Demons fans, he was able to complete the hit-out unscathed.
Casey delivered a statement performance, finishing the day 100-point victors. While the Demons controlled much of the match, the final quarter saw them break the game open with a goal spree, kicking eight goals to St Kilda’s none.
Several players impressed throughout the hit-out. Bailey Laurie moved well between the midfield and forward line, finishing with three goals and proving to be an important connection piece in attack. Jake Melksham was dangerous up forward, kicking four first-half goals before being taken off at halftime as part of a managed workload.
Xavier Taylor was influential across half-back and pushed forward late, capping off his performance by kicking the final goal of the match. In the ruck, Max Heath provided a strong aerial target around the ground, taking several clunking marks and offering a reliable option down the line.
Tom McDonald worked hard in defence, intercepting strongly and limiting the influence of his opponent throughout the contest. Co-captain Riley Bonner also showed his importance to the side in his first practice match of the preseason, rotating through several positions and providing an option all over the ground, while also adding two goals.
Recent signing Ethan Stanley made a promising first appearance for Casey, working through the midfield and helping set up several scoring opportunities. Toby Sinnema continued his strong preseason form as well, kicking three goals and covering the ground with ease.
The Casey coaching staff couldn’t have asked for a stronger finish to the preseason, with a significant challenge awaiting in Round 1 of the VFL season.
On Saturday, March 21, the Demons will take on the reigning VFL premiers, the Footscray Bulldogs. Casey will be hoping their strong practice match form carries into that clash.
ST KILDA 1.1 5.3 10.6 10.6 (66)
CASEY DEMONS 3.4 8.10 16.14 24.22 (166)
GOALS
Casey Demons: 4 Melksham, 3 Laurie, Sinnema, 2 Bonner, Bowden, Cross, Matthews, Scapin, 1 Onley, Pipicelli, Mentha Jnr, Taylor
